U.S. President Donald Trump has once again issued a warning to Oman as Iran discloses ongoing collaboration with the Gulf Arab nation to coordinate maritime activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The complete reopening of this crucial waterway has been a primary demand from the United States.
Concurrently, the 60-day negotiation period aimed at reaching a peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran has lapsed, with no mention of an extension and both parties seemingly as distant in their positions as they were at the outset.
The latest updates on Monday highlight developments in the U.S. and Israel-Iran conflict.
**Iran Progresses in Deal with Oman**
Iran has announced a mutual understanding with Oman regarding a plan for vessels to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz, which lies between the two nations. Efforts are underway to finalize the specifics for a joint statement.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei informed reporters in Tehran that they have agreed on the transit route map. While not providing further details, previous information suggests that the agreement will allow ships to use a route near Iran for entry and another near Oman for exit, with no fees during an interim period.
To lift its blockade on Iranian ports, the U.S. has been seeking a satisfactory agreement on the strait’s opening.
Following attacks by Israel and the U.S. on February 28, Iran effectively shut down the strait, through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil trade used to flow.
**Previous Trump Warning Directed at Oman**
Trump, in an interview with Fox News reporter Trey Yingst, threatened to bomb Oman if it obstructs, emphasizing his point with strong language. This is not the first instance of Trump issuing threats to Oman, as he previously stated during a cabinet meeting in May that the country must comply or face consequences.
Dismissing the significance of the 60-day deadline for peace talks, Trump mentioned the existence of a back channel for discussions with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. United Nations Secretary General António Guterres has called for a resumption of peace negotiations between Iran and the U.S., stressing the futility of a military resolution and urging a reduction in inflammatory rhetoric.
**Houthi Rebels Claim Attacks**
Yemen’s Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, asserted responsibility for attacking a ship and four military boats in the Red Sea near the Yemeni city of Mokha. The rebels launched ballistic missiles at the vessels, causing them to capsize and catch fire. While the rebels alleged that the targeted vessels belonged to Saudi Arabia, no concrete evidence was provided, and there has been no immediate response from Saudi authorities.
Additionally, the rebels reported a drone strike on government forces in the central province of Marib.
**Drone Strikes Target Iraqi Officials**
In northern Iraq, drone attacks targeted two officials, originating from the border with Iran as confirmed by the regional counterterrorism service. One drone struck the office of Masrour Barzani, the prime minister of Iraq’s semi-autonomous northern Kurdish region, while another hit the residence of a senior regional intelligence official.
Although no casualties were reported, no group has claimed responsibility for the attacks. Following a series of assaults on U.S. military and diplomatic sites, as well as on bases of Iranian Kurdish dissidents, Iranian-backed Iraqi militant groups have been active. However, the direct targeting of regional government buildings marks a notable departure from previous incidents.
The attack on Barzani was condemned as a dangerous escalation and a direct threat to the region’s security and stability. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi disassociated Iran from the attack, cautioning Kurdish allies against potential efforts to sow discord between neighboring nations.
U.S. forces stationed in the Kurdish region of Iraq are currently undergoing a withdrawal in line with an agreement between Washington and Baghdad to conclude the U.S. military presence in Iraq by September 30.